Houston Drug Crime Lawyer

Houston Drug Crime Attorney

Drug charges can be difficult to take on by yourself. When you are arrested for drug possession or another related drug crime, you may feel overwhelmed and defeated, especially if you have been falsely accused. That doesn’t have to be the case. Texas takes drug crimes very seriously, so you will want strong legal counsel. Reach out to a Houston drug crime lawyer as soon as you can.

Are you concerned about the outcome of charges for possession or manufacture of a controlled substance? Whether it relates to you or a loved one, Houston has some of the United States’ toughest laws on drug offenses.

These extremely strict laws covering controlled substances are accompanied by substantial punishments and consequences if you are convicted of a drug crime. If you are accused of a drug-related crime in Houston, you need the advice and knowledge of a Houston drug charges criminal defense attorney at Greco Neyland.

We have several years of experience in criminal law and have helped many clients fight against drug charges ranging from possessing to trafficking. We understand the difficulty of the position you’ve found yourself in and are poised to seek a favorable outcome.

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Top Houston Drug Charges Criminal Defense Attorney

In Houston, there are various types of drug crimes and drug charges, and each offense has its own definition and potential punishment. Like most other states, the Houston drug charges aren’t found in the state’s criminal laws. Instead, each of these offenses is criminalized in the Texas Controlled Substance Act, which is part of the Texas Health and Safety Code. These statutes on drug charges are enforced in Houston, Harris County, and across the state.

As experienced drug crime lawyers, we help clients facing a huge range of felony drug charges, including:

• Possession: In Texas, drug possession is defined as care, custody, control, or management of a controlled substance. This can include having an illegal substance in your car, house, or in your pocket. Possession of a controlled substance is specifically criminalized in Section 481.115 through 481.123 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
• Distribution/Trafficking: The distribution or trafficking of controlled substances is criminalized in Texas under a statute that criminalizes the acts of distributing or delivering illegal drugs. A defendant can be convicted of drug trafficking for intentionally or knowingly delivers an illegal controlled substance, of any amount or type. These acts are criminalized in Section 481.112 through 481.114 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
• Manufacturer: The same statute that criminalizes the distribution and delivery of controlled substances is applied to the manufacture of illegal drugs. Manufacture can include the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance, which means the statute criminalizes any act of modifying a legal prescription drug or product.
• Marijuana Laws: Drug charges related to marijuana are treated differently in Houston than other types of drugs. Yet, state laws on the production, distribution, and possession of marijuana remain very strict, which is in contrast to many other states in the Southwest United States. You can face 180 days in jail if convicted of possessing a very small amount of marijuana. Many laws regarding marijuana are found in Section 481.032 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

How Can You Determine The Severity Of Houston Drug Crimes?

To make drug crimes charges more complicated, State of Texas law divides many of the drug charges involving controlled substances into Penalty Groups. The Penalty Groups help denote the maximum punishment for a drug conviction, but often require an explanation from an experienced Houston drug crime lawyer.

The difference between Penalty Groups is based on the type of drug offense and the amount of the controlled substances involved in the drug charges. For drug crimes purposes, all controlled substances are similarly divided into Schedules. Which Schedule a controlled substance falls in depends on:

• Whether the controlled substance as any medical value;
• The potential for abuse of the substance and current abuse rate;
• The likelihood of dependence on the controlled substance; and
• The substance’s impact on society.

There are four Penalty Groups defined in the Texas Controlled Substance Act. The drug crime Penalty Groups are numbered 1 – 4, with Penalty Group 1 (or PG1) being the most serious offense. A drug charges lawyer or criminal defense lawyer in Houston can help you identify which Penalty Group your case and charges fall.

• Charges under Penalty Group 1: includes serious controlled substances with a high risk of abuse and dependency. Charges range from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony. The possible criminal punishment is a jail sentence between two years and life in prison and/or a maximum fine of $250,000.
• Charges under Penalty Group 2: include marijuana and similar substances. Charges range from second-degree felony to a third-degree felony, depending on the amount in your possession, distributed, or manufactured. The possible criminal punishment is a jail sentence between two years and life in prison and/or a maximum fine of $100,000.
• Charges under Penalty Group 3: includes less grave opioids, sedatives, and other prescription drugs. Charges range from a class A misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. The possible criminal punishment is a jail sentence between one year and 20 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Charges under Penalty Group 4: includes medications and certain prescription drugs, when abused or used illegally. Charges range from a class B misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. The possible criminal punishment is between one year and 20 years in jail or prison and/or a maximum fine of $10,000.

FAQs

Q: How Can You Beat a Drug Possession Charge in Texas?

A: There are several ways that you can try to beat a drug possession charge in Texas. Your lawyer may attempt to build your defense on several different foundations, including the following:

• The police engaged in unlawful search and seizure behavior when they arrested you.
• You displayed a lack of intent or knowledge regarding the drugs in question.
• The authorities engaged in an act of entrapment against your will.
• You were never actually in possession of illegal drugs and are being falsely accused.

Q: Can You Get Probation for a Felony Drug Charge in Texas?

A: Yes, it is possible for you to receive probation for a felony drug charge in Texas. The punishment for your drug charge will largely depend on several important factors, particularly the drug in question, how much of it you had, and whether or not you are a first offender. If you are a first offender, you are required to receive probation for your drug charges if you have no prior felony convictions.

Q: What Is the Minimum Punishment for Possession of Controlled Substances in Texas?

A: The minimum punishment for possession of a controlled substance in Texas depends largely on several important factors. The punishment depends on the drug you had in your possession, how much of it you had, and whether or not you are a first-time offender. If you are found to be guilty of a Class A, B, or C misdemeanor, you could be facing hefty fines and jail time that ranges between 180 days and one year. If it’s a felony, the punishment is severe.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Drug Charges in Texas?

A: The statute of limitations for most drug crimes in Texas is two years. That means the authorities have two years from the date that the alleged crime took place to file charges against you for said crime. If charges are not filed within that time frame, there is a decent chance the charges will be dismissed. There are exceptions to the rule, such as far more serious drug charges like trafficking and manufacturing.

How Can You Hire a Houston Drug Attorney?

When facing a possible drug crime conviction, you will want all the help you can get to challenge the charges and build a valid defense. The legal team at Greco Neyland knows the most effective way to work your case and can help develop a strategy that works for you.

Facing drug charges in Houston, TX? It doesn’t matter what kind of charges have been brought, whether you’re charged in a drug possession case, accused of trafficking, or anything in-between – we will help. If you don’t fully understand the drug charges against you, the private drug lawyers at Greco Neyland can provide the legal guidance you need.

Our Houston drug charge lawyer in Texas has extensive experience with drug charges in Houston and the strict drug laws across Texas. To begin building your defense to drug charges, contact our Houston drug crimes defense lawyer office and schedule a free consultation today.

Houston, TX Drugs Law Resources:

• How Much Evidence Must Houston, TX Prosecutors Turn Over About Your Case